When the Pallava Dynasty took Kanchipuram to be their capital, after fighting the Cholas, Mamallapuram (or Mahabalipuram) became their major seaport. Here, in Mamallapuram, during the 7th and 8th century CE, the Pallavas built a group of religious monuments, that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mamallapuram is actually named after the Pallava king Narasimhan I, that was known as Mamallan (The Great Wrestler) who ruled South India during 630-668 AD, and completed the work his father. Mahendravarman I, began in Mamallapuram. Mahendravarman I was the pioneer of rock-cut architecture, and also his son, Mamallan, shared the same passion and love for such art. Though, Mahendravarman I was born Jain, he converted to Saivism by the influence of the Saiva Saint Appar Swamigal, who too lived in this period, like Sambanthar and Thiruthondar. As an expression of his belief in Saivism, it is said that he therefore started the work of rock-carvings and temples at Mamallapuram. As his son, Mamallan completed the father’s work, the place was then named after him.